When any of the parties deems it necessary to take the testimony of any
witness who might not be available in the event a dispute ever arose under this
Chapter in connection with any claim arising as a result of any accident or accidental
injury covered by this Chapter, either party may take the deposition of such witness
under oral examination in accordance with law. Such depositions shall be filed with
the assistant secretary and may be used in evidence in any future proceeding, just as
though a suit had been filed before the depositions were taken.